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MA, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy

Master of Arts in Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy

The program is designed to help students acquire a broad-based knowledge of psychology in its historical and cultural contexts, both as an empirical science of human behavior and as a foundation for a professional career in human services. The Master of Arts in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy includes a substantial experimental component in which the student works under supervision in an approved counseling site.

The degree curriculum meets the education requirements for licensure in California and Washington or certification in other states, and membership in the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. In addition to Marriage and Family Therapy Brandman offers alternative emphasis options including:

Psychopharmacology: Analyze the role of psychopharmacological agents on the prevention and treatment of psychological dysfunction.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have regular admission status prior to enrollment in graduate coursework. Applicants from the Washington Campuses are permitted to enroll in up to 12 credits of graduate coursework prior to receiving regular admission.

Department of Psychology Supplemental: includes Licensing and Certification and Ethical & Professional Responsibility Statement

Note that licensing and certification agencies typically have regulations denying licensure or certification to anyone who has been convicted of a felony, most especially one which reflects an offense which would be a cause for disciplinary action if committed by one already holding the license. Please contact the licensing board in the state you plan to license for clarification of how a conviction may affect licensing. This clarification should be done before the application for admission to this program is submitted.

Autobiographical Statement, 3 – 4 pages: The autobiographical statement should be sent directly to campus to which you are applying.

Include childhood, family and (if applicable) marital data and values derived from these experiences in relation to your choice of a career in marriage and family therapy/counseling. Incorporate two or three relevant experiences that have helped to shape your development and personality.

Discuss how you arrived at this point in your career development. Include any relevant professional experience.

Three Psychology Recommendation Forms

From individuals who know you in a professional, and/or academic, and /or personal context (i.e. skills with youth, intellectual problem solving skills, character). Relatives may not submit recommendations.

Admission Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements:

Option One – GPA required 3.00 or Higher

A 3.0 grade point average (GPA) calculated over the most recent 30 graded semester (45 quarter) credits completed in either a baccalaureate or post baccalaureate program, including credits earned toward a credential. All credits used for GPA calculation must be from a regionally accredited institution.

Option Two – GPA between 2.50 and 2.99, submit passing scores from:

Graduate Record Examination (GRE): achieve a minimum score of 300 on the combined scores of the Verbal and Quantitative subsections of the GRE or score at or above the 60th percentile on the Graduate Subject Test in psychology.

Miller Analogies Test (MAT): achieve a minimum scaled score of 400.

Option Three – An earned master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution

Option Four – GPA below 2.50, Portfolio

Submission of a portfolio of evidence that shows adequate preparation for graduate studies. The portfolio will contain: writing samples that show graduate level communications and analytical skills; a detailed resume showing professional development and achievements; awards; professional recognition; letters of reference from persons who can attest to the applicant’s ability to do graduate level work; and a letter of explanation detailing the reasons the student believes he or she is a good candidate.